Recording control apparatus

ABSTRACT

A recording/reproducing system according to this invention for use in, for example, a digital audio tape recorder is applied to a type in which recording of an input information signal on a recording medium is restricted, and can ensure releasing of the recording restriction by using release-signal-holding mediums on which a release signal for releasing the recording restriction is recorded. In this case, the release signal is affixed with frequency data for restricting the quantity of the information signal to be recorded on recording medium, and this frequency data is updated in such a way that the greater the number of recording the information signal on recording medium, the smaller the recordable quantity of the information signal.

This is a division of Application No. 07/214,129, filed June 30, 1988and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,680.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a recording/reproducing system for, forexample, a digital audio tape recorder, which can record input imagesignals such as audio and image signals on a given recording medium,and, more particularly, to an improvement of a recording controlapparatus which can release a recording restriction such as copyinhibition given to an input information signal under a specificcondition.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the field of audio equipment, digital recording/reproducing systemsare popular, which convert an information signal such as an audio signalinto digital data, record the data on a recording medium such as a diskor tape and reproduce the recorded data therefrom as desired, andcompact disk players and digital audio tape recorders are leading today.

Available compact disks having music information, etc recorded inadvance, also have copy inhibition data recorded together with the musicinformation in order to prevent unauthorized copying to thereby protectthe copyright. With this design, even if one tries to carry out digitalrecording of digital reproduction data of a compact disk using a digitalaudio tape recorder, a microcomputer in the tape recorder detects thecopy inhibition data to thereby automatically prevent the recording.

For a copy protection purpose, digital audio tapes are also designed tohave copy inhibition data recorded thereon to prevent digital recordingof reproduction data of the digital audio tapes using a digital audiotape recorder.

However, there is a demand from users that copying of a compact disk ora digital audio tape for private use be allowed since an excellent copywithout degradation of a sound quality can be attained by digitalrecording of digital reproduction data of the disk or tape using adigital audio tape recorder In this respect, means for using copyinhibition data for unrestricted inhibition of copying needs to bereconsidered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a recordingcontrol apparatus which permits a user at due cost to release copyingrestriction to easily make a copy.

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a recordingcontrol apparatus which comprises:

a first recording medium capable of recording an information signal;

a recording device for recording the information signal on the firstrecording medium;

a restriction circuit for restricting the recording of the informationsignal on the first recording medium;

a release-signal-holding medium having a release signal for releasingthe recording restriction of the restriction circuit; and

a releasing circuit for releasing the recording restriction of therestriction circuit based on the release signal of therelease-signal-holding medium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a recording control apparatusaccording to one embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a data format of a point tape used inthe embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining data recording/reproduction on thepoint tape;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a format of sub codes for specificdata;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a format of sub codes for specificdata, which is modified for this embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining validation and invalidation ofspecific data;

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining part of a subcode formatcorresponding to a program time mode;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a modified data format of a point tapefor this embodiment;

FIGS. 10 through 14 are flowcharts for explaining the detailed operationof this embodiment in consideration of specific data;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a recording control apparatususing an IC card as a recording medium of point data;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation with the IC card inuse;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are flowcharts for explaining the operation with the ICcard in use for preparation of power failure;

FIGS. 19 through 23 are flowcharts illustrating modifications of thepower failure measurement;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining the operation for coupling pointnumbers in point data; and

FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating a modification of thepoint-number coupling means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

One embodiment of this invention will now be explained in detailreferring to the accompanying drawings. In FIG. 1 numeral 11 is adigital audio tape recorder which comprises a recording/reproducingsection 12, a signal processing section 13 and a microcomputer 15 with abuilt-in inhibition releasing section 14. Numeral 16 in this diagram isan input terminal which is supplied with digital reproduction data froma compact disk player, another digital audio tape recorder or asatellite broadcast receiver (all not illustrated). Numeral 17 denotes arecording switch.

A blank tape 18 with no information signal recorded thereon and a pointtape 19 having copy restriction removing data and specific data recordedthereon (a detailed description of these data will be given later) areselectively mounted in recording/reproducing section 12. Sincerecording/reproducing section 12 has a function for executing arecording/reproducing operation on a single tape mounted therein, a tapeis used as a recording medium on which the copy restriction releasingdata and specific data are recorded and the recording/reproducing ofreproduction data of this tape is performed using therecording/reproducing section 12. This simplifies the structure of therecording control apparatus.

Assume that digital reproduction data having no copy inhibition data issupplied to input terminal 16. This data is then supplied through signalprocessing section 13 to recording/reproducing section 12 andmicrocomputer 15. In this case, since microcomputer 15 does not detectcopy inhibition data, it generates a release signal and supplies itthrough inhibition releasing section 14 to recording/reproducing section12. If blank tape 18 is mounted in recording/reproducing section 12 andrecording switch 17 is operated, the digital reproduction data isrecorded on blank tape 18 to provide a copy.

Assume now that digital reproduction data with copy inhibition data issupplied to input terminal 16. Then, microcomputer 15 detects the copyinhibition data generates an inhibit signal and supplies it throughinhibition releasing section 14 to recording/reproducing section 12.Consequently, even the operation of recording switch 17 does not operaterecording/reproducing section 12, thus allowing no data recording.

The following explains the operation for releasing copy inhibition usingpoint tape 19. As shown in FIG. 2 point tape 19 is provided with an areastart section A, a buffer area B, a point area C, a buffer area D and anarea end section E. Area start section A has data recorded whichindicates point area C starts, and area end section E has data recordedwhich indicates that point area C ends. Buffer areas B and Drespectively provide rooms between area start section A and point area Cand point area C and area end section E.

Point area C has point data recorded therein, which serves to releasecopy inhibition as well as to restrict the time during which a copy canbe made with the copy inhibition released. The following description isgiven with reference to the case in which the recorded point data allowsfor making a copy of 60 points each point corresponding to one minute,i.e., the recorded point data allows for a 60-minute copy.

Suppose that digital reproduction data with copy inhibition data hasbeen supplied to input terminal 16, and microcomputer 15 has detectedthe copy inhibition data and outputted an inhibit signal throughinhibition releasing section 14 to recording/reproducing section 12. Ifthe operation shown in FIG. 3 is started (step S1) in this state, a usermounts point tape 19 in recording/reproducing section 12 in step S2 andoperates a reproducing switch (not shown) to set a reproduction mode instep S3.

Then, point tape 19 is reproduced in recording/reproducing section 12and the contents of the tape are supplied through signal processingsection 13 to microcomputer 15, which in turn controlsrecording/reproducing section 12 to reproduce point tape 19 from areastart section A to area end section E and stores a point number, whichis recorded in point area C at step S4, in the memory (not shown)incorporated in microcomputer 15.

Microcomputer 15 then controls recording/reproducing section 12 torewind point tape 19 to area start section A in step S5 and controlsrecording/reproducing section 12 to write, for example, all "0" in pointarea C to invalidate the content of point area C in step S6. Then,microcomputer 15 causes point tape 19 to be rewound again to area startsection A and reproduced therefrom to confirm that the invalidation ofthe content of point area C, and controls inhibition releasing section14 to generate a release signal, thereby releasing the copy inhibition.

Then, the user removes point tape 19 and mounts blank tape 18 inrecording/reproducing section 12 in step S7 and operates recordingswitch 17 in step S8. Accordingly, the digital reproduction datasupplied to input terminal 16 is copied on blank tape 18.

In step S9, microcomputer 15 measures the time during which the copyingis performed, i.e., the time during which recording switch 17 is in itsoperated state, and decrements the point number (stored in the memoryincorporated in microcomputer 15, in step) S4 by one upon each elapse ofone minute. If the point number becomes "0," microcomputer 15 causesinhibition releasing section 14 to generate an inhibit signal torecording/reproducing section 12 to inhibit the copying operation.

When the copying is completed before the point number becomes "0," theuser operates a stop switch (not shown) in step S10 to stop therecording operation, i.e., the copying operation, and removes blank tape18 and mounts point tape 19 in recording/reproducing section 12 in stepS11.

Microcomputer 15 sets recording/reproducing section 12 in a recordingmode and records point data having the remaining point number resultingfrom the subtraction carried out in step S9 in point area C of pointtape 19 in step S12. For instance, the copying is performed for 20minutes, the point number 40 is written on point tape 19.

Then, microcomputer 15 controls recording/reproducing section 12 torewind point tape 19 to area start section A in step S13, thuscompleting the operational sequence of releasing the copy inhibitionusing point tape 19 and copying the digital reproduction data suppliedto input terminal 16 on blank tape 18 (step S14).

FIG. 4 gives a detailed illustration of the recording/reproducingoperation on point tape 19 in the aforementioned steps S2-S6 and S12.When point tape 19 is mounted in recording/reproducing section 12 instep S2, as shown in FIG. 4(1), point tape 19 is reproduced from areastart section A to area end section E and point data recorded in pointarea C is stored in microcomputer 15.

Thereafter, point tape 19 is rewound to area start section A, all "0" isrecorded in a region including the entire point area C and slightportions of buffer areas B and D to invalidate point area C as shown inFIG. 4(2). Then, point tape 19 is rewound again to area start section Aand the complete invalidation of point area C is confirmed, as shown inFIG. 4(3). Then, microcomputer 15 releases the copy inhibition to allowfor the copying operation.

When point tape 19 is mounted again in step S11, the subtracted pointnumber or the updated point data is written in point area C of pointtape 19, as shown in FIG. 4(4).

With the above structure, by purchasing point tape 19, the user caneasily copy digital reproduction data for a given period of time andpays a royalty directly or indirectly to the copyright holder, thuscopyrighting the holder's product.

In addition, since the copy inhibition is released after point data isread out from point tape 19 and point area C of the tape 19 isinvalidated, this point tape 19 becomes invalid unless point data withthe point number updated is recorded upon completion of the copyingoperation, thus preventing an unauthorized use of point tape 19. If thepoint data of point tape 19 is not invalidated, the point data is notupdated when point tape 19 with its point data read out is removed fromrecording/reproducing section 12. Consequently, unauthorized, unlimitedcopying can be carried out by repeatedly using the same point tape 19 inthis manner.

Although this method can prevent point tape 19 from being removed withthe point data read out, this prevention is effective as long as digitalaudio tape recorder 11 is operated from the outside of the cabinet; theaforementioned unauthorized use can be easily made by the user takingthe tape recorder apart and operating it.

An explanation of the above-mentioned specific data will now be given.In a source tape available on market for use in a digital audio taperecorder, on which a music is recorded, for example, specific data forspecifying various items regarding an information signal recorded on thesource tape is recorded in sub codes. FIG. 5 illustrates the format ofthe sub codes associated with the specific data, which is determined onthe basis of the ISRC (International Standard Recording Code).

There are four types of items specified for the information signal,namely, a country code I1 and I2 representing a country in which, forexample, a music is produced, by a two-digit alphanumeral consisting ofPC2 and PC3, a copyright holder code I3-I5 representing a copyrightholder by a three-digit alphanumeral consisting of PC4-PC6, a recordingyear I6 and I7 indicated by a two-digit BCD code consisting of PC2, anda recording number I8-I12 indicated by a five-digit BCD code consistingof PC3-PC5.

According to the format for a digital audio tape recorder, when theupper six bits of PC1 is "011100," country code I1 and I2 and copyrightholder code I3-I5 are written, and when the upper six bits of PC1 is"011101," recording year I6 and I7 and recording number I8-I12 arewritten.

According to this embodiment, the format shown in FIG. 5 is modified forpoint tape 19 as shown in FIG. 6. Specifically, when the upper six bitsof PC1 is "01110," country code I1 and I2 and copyright holder codeI3-I5 are written, and the validity of recording year I6 and I7 andrecording number I8-I12 is indicated by the upper two bits VC and VO ofPC2 and PC4 as shown in FIG. 7. Point numbers CP1 and CP2 are recordedin PC7, the latter number CP2 having priority over the former numberCP1.

FIG. 8 illustrates part of the sub code format in a digital audio taperecorder, which is a program time mode. In this diagram, although PNO-1,PNO-2 and PNO-3 indicate a program number, OAA, OBB and OEE areseparately defined.

According to this embodiment, OCC and ODD are further set in associationwith the start point of area start section A and the end point of areaend section E, respectively. When the upper four bits (item) of PC1 is"0000," it is a sub-code less mode and it is determined that all "0"should be written As described above, four types of specific data arerecorded in point area C of point tape 19 in association with thespecific data representing the four types of items to be recorded in thesub codes of the source tape, and point tape 19 actually has the formatas shown in FIG. 9.

In this case, the size of each area is set to, for example, four frames(one frame being 30 msec), and 448 packs each consisting of PC1-PC8 canbe recorded in one frame. With this design, the redundancy is increased,but such is intended to include a mechanical stable time and thusprovide a sufficient reliability.

The operation of the recording control apparatus with he above specificdata in consideration will now be explained. FIGS. 10-12 illustrate theoperations corresponding to the aforementioned steps S2-S6 of FIG. 3.Reproduction of point tape 19 starts at step S15, and it is detected instep S16 that PNO becomes OCC. When the item is detected to be "0111-10"in step S17, it is discriminated in the next step S18 whether the uppertwo bits VC of PC2 is "11" or "00."

If VC is "11," the country code is invalid as is apparent from FIG. 7,so that VC is set free in step S19. On the other hand, if VC is "00,"the country code is valid and I1 and I2 are stored in step S20.

In the next step S21, it is discriminated whether the upper two bits VOof PC4 is "11" or "00"; if VO is "11," the copyright holder code isinvalid so that VO is set free in step S22, and if VO is "00," it isvalid so that I3-I5 are stored in step S23.

When the item is detected to be "0111-11" in step S24, it isdiscriminated whether the lower two bits VP of PC1 is "11" or "00." IfVP is "11," both the recording year and recording number are invalid sothat VP is set free in step S26. If VP is "00," the recording year andrecording number are both valid so that I6-I12 are stored in step S27.

Then, point number CP2 is stored in step S28 so that valid specific dataand point number are stored in microcomputer 15.

Then, point tape 19 is rewound in the next step S29 and is set again inthe reproduction mode in step S31 when PNO is detected to be OCC in stepS30. And, when PNO is detected to be the end of OCC in step S32, "0000"is stored in the item in step S33, thus invalidating the specific dataand point data recorded on point tape 19.

In the above state, when it is estimated in step S34 that the itemreaches the end of "0111-11," point tape 19 is rewound again in stepS35. When PNO is detected to be OCC in step S36, point tape 19 is set inthe reproduction mode in step S37 and it is discriminated in step S38whether or not a part of the item is "0111."

If it is detected in step S37 that a part of the item is "0111" (YES),the flow returns to step S29 and invalidation of the recorded content isexecuted thereafter. If, on the other hand, no part of the item isdetected to be "0111" (NO) in step S38, the flow advances to step S39.When PNO is detected to be ODD in step S39, point tape 19 is rewound instep S40 microcomputer 15 removes the copy inhibition in step S41, thuscompleting the operation (step S42).

FIG. 13 illustrates the operation involved in making a copy. When acopying operation starts (step S43), it is discriminated in step S44whether or not copy inhibition data is affixed to an input informationsignal If such data is not affixed (NO), the copy inhibition is releasedwithout conditions in step S45, and if it is affixed (YES), it isdiscriminated in step S46 whether or not point number CP2 read out frompoint tape 19 is greater than or equal to 1.

If point number CP2 is not greater than or equal to 1 (NO), the copyingis inhibited in step S47, and if it is greater than or equal to 1 (YES),the copy inhibition is released in step S48. In the next step S49, it isdiscriminated whether or not VC read out from point tape 19 is free. IfVC is not free (NO), it is discriminated in step S50 whether or notpreviously stored country code I1 and I2 coincides with the country codeI1 and I2 affixed to the input information signal. If coincidence is notdetected (NO), the copying inhibited in step S47.

If VC is free or coincidence of two country codes I1 and I2 is detected,it is discriminated in step S51 whether or not VO previously read outfrom point tape 19 is free. If VO is not free (NO), it is thendiscriminated in step S52 whether or not previously stored copyrightholder code I3-I5 coincides with the copyright holder code I3-I5 affixedto the input information signal. If no coincidence is attained (NO), thecopying is inhibited in step S47.

If VO is free or coincidence of two copyright holder codes I3-I5 isdetected, it is discriminated in step S53 whether or not VP previouslyread out from point tape 19 is free. If VP is not free (NO), it is thendiscriminated in step S54 whether or not previously stored recordingyear and recording number I6-I12 coincides with the recording year andrecording number I6-I12 affixed to the input information signal. If nocoincidence is attained (NO), the copying is inhibited in step S47.

If the VP is free or coincidence of two recording years and recordingnumbers I6-I12 is attained, point number CP2 is decremented by one everytype the copying time elapses one minute in step S55 and the flowreturns to step S46. Accordingly, when VC, VO and VP are all free orcoincidence in the country code, copyright holder code or recording yearand recording number is attained, a copy can be made.

FIG. 14 illustrates the operation for restoring the content of pointtape 19 upon completion of the copying operation. When the copyingoperation is completed and point tape 19 is mounted again inrecording/reproducing section 12 to start the restoring operation (stepS56), it is detected in step S57 that PNO is OCC and the end of OCC isdetected in step S58. In the next step S59, "0000" is stored in the itemto thereby form buffer area B. In the next step S60, "0111-10", i.e.,the previously stored VC, VO and I1-I5 are stored in the item.

In the subsequent step S61, "0111-11", i.e., the previously stored VP,I6-I12 and subtracted point number CP2 are stored in the item and "0000"is stored in the item in step S62 to thereby form buffer area D. WhenPNO is detected to be ODD in step S63, point tape 19 is rewound in stepS64, which completes the restoring operation (step S65).

With the above arrangement, since the copy inhibition is released onlywhen VC, VO and VP are all free or the country code, copyright holdercode or recording year and recording number recorded on point tape 19coincides with the country code, copyright holder code or recording yearand recording number affixed to the input information signal, the properroyalty can be paid to the copyright holder of the copied information.

In the above description, blank tape 18 and point tape 19 are separatelyprovided; however, if copy restriction removing data is recorded onblank tape 18, for example, a single tape is sufficient for theaforementioned operation and no tape replacement is necessary.

Further, the copy restriction releasing data may be recorded on a sourcetape available on market on which an information signal such as a musicis recorded In this case, as mentioned earlier, it is necessary toselectively mount blank tape 18 with the source tape inrecording/reproducing section 12. While the source tape is mounted inrecording/reproducing section 12 to execute the necessary processing onthe point data, it is unnecessary to reproduce the yet uncopied musicinformation of the source tape in another digital audio tape recorder,so that there is no operational inconvenience.

Although the above explanation has been given with reference to the casewhere a tape is used as a recording medium for the copy restrictionreleasing data and specific data, the recording medium is in no waylimited to a tape but may well be a card which can be subjected tomagnetic recording/reproducing of information. The use of such a cardrequires provision of a device for performing recording/reproducing onthe card in digital audio tape recorder 11. Since the card, oncemounted, need not be removed until the copying operation is completed,however, the aforementioned tape replacement between blank tape 18 andpoint tape 19 is unnecessary, thus facilitating the copying operation.

FIG. 15 illustrates a recording control apparatus which uses a card as arecording medium on which copy restriction releasing data is recorded. Acard recording/reproducing section 20 is provided in digital audio taperecorder 11 and is coupled to microcomputer 15. This cardrecording/reproducing section 20 is designed to be mounted with an IC(Integrated Circuit) card 21 having point data and specific data as copyrestriction releasing data recorded thereon. In this example, therecorded point data allows for 15-point or 15-minute copying. In FIG.15, recording switch 17 is omitted for the sake of diagrammaticsimplicity.

With the above arrangement, the operation of the apparatus will beexplained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 16. When theoperation starts (step S66), microcomputer 15 discriminates in step S67whether or not the digital reproduction data coming through signalprocessing section 13 from input terminal 16 includes copy inhibitiondata.

If no copy inhibition data is detected (NO), microcomputer 15 generatesa remove signal to recording/reproducing section 12 in step S68.Accordingly, operating the recording switch (not shown) after blank tape18 is mounted in recording/reproducing section 12 causes the digitalreproduction data supplied to input terminal 16 to be recorded on blanktape 18 through signal processing 13 and recording/reproducing section12, thereby making a copy.

If, on the other hand, the copy inhibition data is detected in step S67(YES), microcomputer 15 discriminates in step S69 whether or not IC card21 is mounted in card recording/reproducing section 20. If IC card 21 isnot mounted (NO), microcomputer 15 generates an inhibit signal torecording/reproducing section 12 in step S70. Consequently, evenoperating the recording switch does not drive recording/reproducingsection 12, thus inhibiting the recording operation.

If the mounting of IC card 21 is detected (YES), microcomputer 15controls card recording/reproducing section 20 to read out the pointnumber from IC card 21 and stores it in step S71. Then, microcomputer 15discriminates in step S72 whether or not the stored point number isgreater than or equal to 1. If the point number is less than 1 (NO),microcomputer 15 generates the inhibit signal to recording/reproducingsection 12 in step S73, thus inhibiting the recording operation.

If, on the other hand, the point number is greater than or equal to 1(YES), microcomputer 15 generates the release signal torecording/reproducing section 12 in step S74 so that a copy can be made.

With the copying operation being carried out in the above manner,microcomputer 15 decrements the stored point number by one upon everyelapse of one minute in step S75. At this time, microcomputer 15controls card recording/reproducing section 20 in step S76 in such a waythat upon decrement of one point, the remaining point number is writtenon IC card 21. In other words, every time the point number isdecremented by one upon elapse of one minute of the copying time, theremaining point number is written on IC card 21; that is, the pointnumber recorded on IC card 21 is updated.

In the next step S77, microcomputer 15 discriminates whether or not theproper point number is written on IC card 21 upon each updating of thepoint number, i.e., whether or not the point number is properly updated.If the proper updating of the point number is executed (YES),microcomputer 15 returns to step S72 and the above operation is repeatedas long as the copying continues. If the point number becomes "0,"however, the copying is inhibited in step S73.

If it is discriminated in step S77 that the proper updating of the pointnumber has not been carried out (NO), microcomputer 15 generates theinhibit signal to recording/reproducing section 12 to inhibit thecopying operation in step S78.

With the above arrangement, upon each decrement of the point number, theremaining point number is written on IC card 21 and the copyingoperation is inhibited when the point number cannot be written on ICcard. If IC card 21 is removed from card recording/reproducing section20 during the copying operation, therefore, the copy inhibition mode isset to thereby prevent unauthorized copying.

That is, with the use of a card as recording medium for the copyrestriction releasing data, the card can be subjected torecording/reproducing while data is being recorded on a tape. Asdescribed above, therefore, unauthorized copying can be preventedwithout invalidating the copy restriction releasing data.

The measure for invalidating the copy restriction removing data may alsobe applied to the case where such a card is used. FIG. 17 illustratesthe operation for the case in which IC card 21 is used as a recordingmedium for the copy restriction releasing data and the invalidation ofthis data is utilized.

In this example, it is assumed that the point data recorded on IC card21 allows for 60-point or 60-minute copying. Further assume that digitalreproduction data having copy inhibition data has been supplied to inputterminal 16 and microcomputer 15 has detected the copy inhibition dataand generated an inhibit signal to recording/reproducing section 12.

When the operation starts (step S79), a user mounts IC card 21 in cardrecording/reproducing section 20 in step S80 and the point data isreproduced in step S81. The reproduced point data is supplied tomicrocomputer 15 and the point number is stored in the memoryincorporated in microcomputer 15 in step S82.

Microcomputer 15 then generates a specific code (hereinafter referred toas TAKE-ID) in step S83 interlocking with the operation of, for example,the recording switch. The TAKE-ID, which is generated upon eachgeneration of a recording request to discriminate that request, may begenerated as a sequential number or at random.

In the next step S84, microcomputer 15 controls recording/reproducingsection 12 to record TAKE-ID generated by the microcomputer and thepoint data read out from IC card 21 on blank tape 18. Microcomputer 15then invalidates the point data recorded on IC card 21 and controls cardrecording/reproducing section 20 so as to record TAKE-ID on IC card 21in step S85. The invalidation of the point data can be made by recordingall "0" as mentioned earlier or using other various means, such assetting an invalidation flag.

In the subsequent step S86, microcomputer 15 permitsrecording/reproducing section 12 to start a recording operation uponoperating the recording switch so that the digital reproduction datasupplied to input terminal 16 is copied on blank tape 18. In step S87,microcomputer 15 measures the copying time, i.e., the time during whichthe recording switch is in its operated state and decrements the pointnumber, which has been stored in the memory incorporated inmicrocomputer 15 in step S82, by one upon each elapse of one minute.When the point number becomes "0," microcomputer 15 controlsrecording/reproducing section 12 to immediately stop the recordingoperation.

When the copying operation is completed before the point number becomes"0," the user operates a stop switch (not shown) to stop the recordingor copying operation. Then, microcomputer 15 sets cardrecording/reproducing section 20 in the recording mode to record thepoint data having the remaining point number, which has been decrementedin step S87, on IC card 21 in step S09. For instance, if 20 minutes ofcopying is performed, the point number "40" is written on card 21 andthe operational sequence of releasing the copy inhibition and copyingthe digital reproduction data supplied to input terminal 16 on blanktape 18 using the card is completed (step S90).

Power failure may occur in the period between the start of copyingoperation (step S86) and the recording of the remaining point number onIC card 21 (step S89). If such power failure takes places, the contentsof the memory incorporated in microcomputer 15, i.e., the point number,will be erased. So, the point number can no longer be recorded on ICcard 21. In order to record the point number on IC card 21 even if suchpower failure occurs, the measures are taken, as will be explained withreference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 18.

When the operation starts (step S91), microcomputer 15 controlsrecording/reproducing section 12 to read out TAKE-ID and the point datafrom blank tape 18 in step S92 and stores the point number in step S93.Microcomputer 15 then controls card recording/reproducing section 20 toread out TAKE-ID from IC card 21 in step S94.

Then, microcomputer 15 detects in step S97 that TAKE-IDs read out fromblank tape 18 and IC card 21 coincide with each other, and controlsrecording/reproducing section 12 to reproduce blank tape 18 in step S96.

In the next step S97, microcomputer 15 decrements the point numberstored in step S93 by one, every time one minute elapses for thereproduction of blank tape 10. In step S98, microcomputer 15discriminates whether or not reproduction data is acquired from blanktape 18. In other words, the microcomputer discriminates the time duringwhich data recording on blank tape 10 is performed, between the pointwhen the copying operation starts at step S86 in FIG. 17 and the pointwhen the power failure occurs. This discrimination is made by the userhearing the reproduced sound, or microcomputer 15 detecting therecording magnetic pattern of blank tape 18 or the presence/absence ofTAKE-ID repeatedly recorded on blank tape 18 during data recording onthe tape.

When no more reproduction data is present on blank tape 18 (YES),microcomputer 15 controls recording/reproducing section 12 to stop thereproduction of blank tape 18 in step S99 and controls cardrecording/reproducing section 20 to write the remaining point number,previously decreased in step S97, on IC card 21 in step S100, thuscompleting the operation (step S101).

With the above arrangement, as shown in FIG. 17, the point data of ICcard 21 is recorded on blank tape 18 and the specific code, TAKE-ID,used for discrimination of a recording request is recorded on blank tape18 and card 21 before the copying starts. Thus, when power failureoccurs during the copying operation, the time of the actually performedcopying operation is detected. From this time, the point number whichhas been copied is calculated. The point number, thus calculated, issubtracted from the number of points which must be recorded on IC card21, thereby obtaining the remaining point number. The remaining pointnumber, thus obtained, is recorded on card 21. As a result of this, ICcard 21 remains valid, thus protecting the user right to record data.This can prevent card 21 remaining invalid and protect the user's rightfor the data recording.

Although in the above explanation, the measure for possible powerfailure (see FIG. 18) is executed by digital audio tape recorder 11under the control of microcomputer 15, it is not limited to such a type.For instance, blank taps 18 and IC card 21 may be removed from taperecorder 11 and mounted in another apparatus which is designed to copewith power failure and has a tape recording/reproducing function as wellas a card recording/reproducing function, and then, the process as shownin FIG. 18 may be executed.

FIG. 19 illustrates another example of the power failure measure, withthe same step numbers used to specify those corresponding o identical tothe steps shown in FIG. 17 so that only different steps will beexplained below. TAKE-ID generated in step S83 is stored in, forexample, a register of microcomputer 15 in step S83a.

After the copying is stopped in step S88, TAKE-ID recorded on IC card 21in step S85 is read out in step S88a. If this TAKE-ID coincides withTAKE-ID previously stored in the register, the remaining point number isrecorded on card 21 in step S89.

According to this operation, the remaining point number is recorded onlyon the IC card 21 on which TAKE-ID has been recorded in step S85. Thiscan prevent such an unauthorized use that the presently used IC card 21is replaced with another IC card 21 during the copying operation topermit the recording of the remaining point number of this card 21.

FIG. 20 illustrates a different example of the power failure measure; asthe same step numbers are used in this diagram to specify thosecorresponding to the steps of FIG. 17, only the different steps will beexplained below. Every time the point number is decremented in step S87,the decremented point number is recorded together with TAKE-ID on blanktape 18 in step S87a.

With this arrangement, as shown in FIG. 21, the measure taken for powerfailure during the copying operation can be made simpler than the oneshown in FIG. 18. When the operation starts (step S102), microcomputer15 controls recording/reproducing section 12 to read out TAKE-ID fromblank tape 18 in step S103 and then controls card recording/reproducingsection 20 to read TAKE-ID from IC card 21 in step S104. Microcomputer15 detects coincidence of these two TAKE-IDs in step S105 and controlsrecording/reproducing section 12 to perform a high-speed reproduction ofblank tape 10 in step S106.

In step S107, microcomputer 15 discriminates TAKE-ID included in thereproduced data and retrieves the end section of the data recorded onblank tape 18. After controlling recording/reproducing section 12 toread out the point number recorded at the retrieved end section of thedata in step S108, microcomputer 15 controls card recording/reproducingsection 20 to record the read point number on IC card 21 in step S109,which completes the operation (step S110).

With the above arrangement, every time the point number is decrementedduring the copying operation, this point number is recorded togetherwith TAKE-ID on blank tape 18. Therefore, it is easy to find to whichpoint on blank tape 18 data has been recorded at the time the powerfailure measure is taken, by discriminating TAKE-ID recorded on the tape18. In addition, the point number recorded at the retrieved locationneeds to be simply recorded as it is on IC card 21, thus furthersimplifying the arrangement.

FIG. 22 illustrates a further example of the power failure measure; asthe same step numbers are used in this diagram to specify thosecorresponding to the steps of FIG. 17, only the different steps will beexplained below. Only TAKE-ID is recorded on blank tape 18 in step S84a,and the point data is invalidated in step S85a not by recording "0" onIC card 21, but leaving the point data intact on IC card 21 and settingan invalidation flag or discriminating the invalidation when TAKE-ID isnot all "0."

With this arrangement, if power failure occurs during the copyingoperation and the remaining point number is not recorded on IC card 21,the point data on card 21 is forcibly read out disregarding theinvalidation flag or the like when coincidence of TAKE-ID recorded onblank tape 18 with TAKE-ID recorded on card 21 is detected, and thepoint number is decreased in accordance with the time during which thecopying has been performed and recorded on the card 21.

FIG. 23 illustrates a still further example of the power failuremeasure; as the same step numbers are used in this diagram to specifythose corresponding to the steps of FIG. 22, only the different stepswill be explained below. TAKE-ID generated in step S83 is stored in, forexample, a register of microcomputer 15 in step S83a.

After the copying operation is stopped in step S88, TAKE-ID recorded onIC card 21 in step S85a is read out in step S88a and the remaining pointnumber is recorded on IC card 21 in step S89 when this TAKE-ID coincideswith the TAKE-ID previously stored in the register.

According to this operation, in step S89 the remaining point number isrecorded only on IC card 21 that has TAKE-ID recorded thereon in stepS85a. As explained above with reference to FIG. 19, therefore, it ispossible to prevent such an unauthorized use that the presently usedcard 21 is replaced with another card 21 during the copying operationand the remaining point number is recorded on this card 21.

FIG. 24 illustrates a measure for performing the copying operationlonger than the point number recorded on a single IC card 21. At thestart of the operation (step S111), the user mounts card 21 in cardrecording/reproducing section 20 in step S112 and the point data isreproduced from the card in step S113.

This point data is supplied to microcomputer 15 and is added to thepreviously-stored point number in step S114 and the resultant pointnumber is stored in step S115. In the next step S116, microcomputer 15generates TAKE-ID only when the first IC card 21 is mounted.

Then, microcomputer 15 controls recording/reproducing section 12 torecord TAKE-ID and the point number stored in step S114, on blank tape18 in step S117. In the subsequent step S118, microcomputer 15invalidates the point data on IC card 21 and records TAKE-ID thereon.

In step S119, the user discriminates whether or not a sufficient pointnumber corresponding to the desired copying time is provided. If thepoint number is not sufficient (NO), the flow returns to step S112 wherethe user mounts a new IC card 21 and the above operation is repented.That is, the point number for the desired copying time can be securedbefore starting the copying operation by changing IC card 21 thenecessary number of times.

When the user discriminates in step S119 that a sufficient point numberis acquired (YES), the process ends (step S120) and the aforementionedcopying operation will be executed thereafter.

With the above arrangement, a plurality of IC cards 21 are selectivelyreproduced and the point numbers read out from the cards are coupled todetermine the time for data copying on blank tape 13. If the userdesires longer copying than the time determined by the point numberrecorded on card 21, it is unnecessary to change card 21 during thecopying operation so that continuous copying can be done, thus makingthe operation convenient for the user.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 25, a plurality of cardrecording/reproducing sections 201, 202, . . . may be provided indigital audio tape recorder 11 to read the point data from therespective IC cards 211, 212, . . . , and the point data aresequentially supplied to microcomputer 15 so that the point numbers areadded together.

Although the above explanation has been given with reference to the casewhere the point number recorded on a tape or a card is time data in theunits of one minute, it is not limited to the time but may be set tocorrespond to the number of pieces of music.

What is claimed is:
 1. A release signal holding medium for use in asystem in which recording of an information signal on a recording mediumis restricted comprising:a release signal recording medium physicallyseparate from the recording medium on which the information signal isrecorded; and a release signal, recorded on said release signalrecording medium, for releasing the restriction of the recording of saidinformation signal on said information recording medium.
 2. A releasesignal holding medium according to claim 1, wherein said release signalholding medium is composed of a card.
 3. A release signal holding mediumaccording to claim 1, wherein said release signal holding medium iscomposed of a tape.
 4. A release signal holding medium for use in asystem in which recording of an information signal on a recording mediumis restricted comprising:a release signal holding medium; a releasesignal recorded on the release signal holding medium for releasing therestriction of the recording of said information signal on saidrecording medium; and frequency data recorded on the release signalholding medium for restricting a quantity of information contained insaid information signal which is to be recorded on said recording mediumwhile the recording restriction is released by said release signal.
 5. Arelease signal holding medium according to claim 4, wherein said releasesignal holding medium is composed of a card.
 6. A release signal holdingmedium according to claim 4, wherein said release signal holding mediumis composed of a tape.
 7. A release signal distribution device for usewith a recording apparatus which includes restricting means forrestricting the recording of an information signal and releasing meansfor releasing the restriction on recording of the information signalcomprising:a storage medium holding a release signal while engaged anddisengaged from the recording apparatus and physically unconnected witha medium holding the information signal; and a housing holding thestorage medium when in both engaged and disengaged relations with therecording apparatus, the release signal recorded on the storage mediumactivating the releasing means to release the restriction on recordingof the information signal when the storage medium is engaged with therecording apparatus.